Retirement Homes Act Five-Year Review

Protecting Seniors in Retirement Homes

The Government of Ontario launched a review of the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 in Summer of 2015. A consultation paper was posted for public review and comment from August 14, 2015 to September 30, 2015.

The Retirement Homes Act was introduced in 2010, creating the first provincial legislative requirements for licensing and mandatory care, safety and administrative standards for retirement homes.

The Act also created the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) to license homes, inspect retirement homes to ensure they meet prescribed standards, investigate consumer complaints, enforce the Act and educate licensees, consumers and the public.

The legislation requires the Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs to undertake a review of the Act within five years, and present a report of the findings to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Public consultation on the review of the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 closed on September 30, 2015. We thank all those who took the time to submit their comments.

A report summarizing the feedback received is posted below. This report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs on December 10, 2015.

Following the tabling of the report, the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat will be reviewing the details of the recommendations received and developing proposals for further consideration.

We are committed to continuing to consult with seniors, experts, stakeholders and the general public throughout the review process, including the implementation of findings and recommendations. Should any amendments to the Act and its regulations be proposed, further consultations will be conducted on the specific amendments.